This issue can occur for the following reasons:

• File Is Missing: The file previously appeared available in your Serato Studio Library, but then as part of the analysis process it was discovered as missing. The message will display and the file will be flagged as a missing file. Information on how to relocate the file can be found here.
• File Is Problematic: There was a form of corruption detected in the file. It is possible the file has an incorrect extension or unsupported format than what it appeared to be at the time of import. E.g You imported a jpeg with an mp3 extension but the analysis process detected this wasn't a true mp3 file. More information on problem files can be found here.
• No Read Permissions: Serato Studio is trying to analyze a file that is inaccessible. The file or hard drive permissions are preventing the software from correctly reading the file in the analysis process. The file will likely be flagged as a problem file in this case as the software is unable to decode the audio.
• No Write Permissions: The file can be analysed but we Serato Studio is unable to store the analysis data anywhere. The file will be flagged as 'read-only' with a gold lock in the status icon column and the message will appear.

Fixing Read/Write Permissions - macOS

We have a guide on fixing permissions below.

• Using Disk Utility To Repair Permissions/Perform First Aid on Mac

Check your External hard drive is formatted correctly. macOS is able to read and write to drives formatted in APFS, macOS Extended or MS-DOS FAT file systems. Follow the steps below to check the format of your external hard drive.

1. Right-click on your external drive
2. Click 'Get Info'
3. Observe the drive 'Format' under the General tab
4. If this does not show one of the formats mentioned above, it is recommended that you use the guide below to reformat your drive. Formatting will erase all data on the drive. Ensure all data is backed up before reformating a drive.

• Erase and reformat a storage device in Disk Utility on Mac

Fixing Read/Write Permissions - Windows

Ensure the file or folder is not read-only:

1. Right-click on the file or folder in question
2. Click properties
3. Ensure 'Read Only' is not selected
4. Click Apply

Ensure the file or folder has read and write permissions:

1. Right-click on the file or folder in question
2. Click properties
3. Click on the Security tab
4. Select your user name from the list
5. Enure there are checks next to Read and Write
6. Click Apply